Melissa ‘Mel’ Sanderson to Spotlight “Building America’s Rare Earth Powerhouse” at the Critical Minerals Institute Summit IV

TORONTO, ONTARIO – May 1 2025 – The Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) is pleased to announce that Melissa “Mel” Sanderson, Director, American Rare Earths Limited (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF) & Co-Chair, CMI, will deliver a featured address titled “Building America’s Rare Earth Powerhouse” on Wednesday, May 14 (11:40 – 11:55 AM ET) during Day Two of CMI Summit IV at The National Club in Toronto.

Drawing on three decades of U.S.-government and corporate leadership in critical minerals diplomacy, Sanderson will outline how American Rare Earths’ 2.63-billion-tonne, JORC-compliant Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming can anchor a vertically integrated, on-shore rare-earths supply chain—reducing import dependence, strengthening defense readiness, and powering next-generation technologies.

Sanderson’s deep operating insight will also shape discussions on Day One (Tuesday, May 13):

  • Panel 04 – “The Surge in Demand for Military Metals” (2:50 – 3:40 PM) – Moderator
    Panelists: Jack Lifton (CMI), Sean Flynn (Mid Atlantic Capital Associates), Murray Nye (American Tungsten Corp. [CSE: TUNG | OTCQB: DEMRF]), Harry Cabrita (Nova Copper Inc.).
  • Panel 05 – “The Role of Government in Developing the Critical-Mineral Supply Chain” (4:10 – 5:00 PM) – Panelist
    Moderator: Tracy Hughes (CMI & InvestorNews Inc.).

“Halleck Creek gives the United States the scale, grade, and jurisdictional advantage to lead in rare earths—especially the magnet oxides vital to aerospace and advanced manufacturing,” said Melissa Sanderson. “Our plan couples responsible open-pit mining on Wyoming state land with U.S.-based processing and separation, delivering end-to-end security from ore to oxide.”

Tracy Hughes, Founder & Executive Director of CMI, added:

“Mel pairs diplomatic acumen with hands-on mine-build experience. Her blueprint for an all-American rare earths powerhouse is exactly the strategic perspective our delegates need as they navigate geopolitics, capital markets, and supply-chain resilience.”

CMI Summit IV Event Details
Theme: The War for Critical Minerals and Capital Resources
Dates: Tuesday & Wednesday, May 13–14, 2025
Summit Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM ET
Registration & coffee: 7:30 – 8:30 AM
Reception: Tuesday, May 13, 5:00 – 6:30 PM — hosted by ArcStone Securities and Investment Corp.
Location: The National Club, 303 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Website: CriticalMineralSummit.com
To register or secure a CMI Summit IV 2-day Delegates Pass, click here

About American Rare Earths Limited:

American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) is a critical minerals company at the forefront of reshaping the U.S. rare earths industry. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc., the company is advancing the Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming—a world-class rare earth deposit with the potential to secure America’s critical mineral independence for generations. The Halleck Creek Project boasts a JORC-compliant resource of 2.63 billion tonnes, representing approximately 16% of the greater Halleck Creek project surface area, making it one of the largest rare earth deposits in the United States. Located on Wyoming State land, the Cowboy State Mine within Halleck Creek offers cost-efficient open-pit mining methods and benefits from streamlined permitting processes in this mining-friendly state.

With plans for onsite mineral processing and separation facilities, Halleck Creek is strategically positioned to reduce U.S. reliance on imports—predominantly from China—while meeting the growing demand for rare earth elements essential to defense, advanced technologies, and economic security. As exploration progresses, the project’s untapped potential on both State and Federal lands further reinforces its significance as a cornerstone of U.S. supply chain security. In addition to its resource potential, American Rare Earths is committed to environmentally responsible mining practices and continues to collaborate with U.S. Government-supported R&D programs to develop innovative extraction and processing technologies for rare earth elements.

The opportunities ahead for Halleck Creek are transformational, positioning it as a multi-generational resource that aligns with U.S. national priorities for critical mineral independence.

About the Critical Minerals Institute

The Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) is a trusted global leader in connecting companies, capital markets, and experts in the critical minerals industry. By combining in-depth research, thought leadership, and extensive industry expertise, CMI provides exclusive insights, invaluable resources, and robust networking opportunities that empower its members to thrive in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. Through collaboration with businesses, governments, and other stakeholders, CMI addresses both the challenges and opportunities within the critical minerals sector, highlighting the value, sustainability, and strategic importance of these essential materials. As a result, CMI ensures its members are equipped to drive innovation, lead in cutting-edge technology, and fuel industrial advancement worldwide.

To secure a CMI Membership, click here or to secure a CMI Summit IV 2-day Delegates Pass, click here

For further details, please contact Tracy Hughes, Executive Director, Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) | +1 647 289 7714 | CriticalMineralsInstitute.comCriticalMineralSummit.com

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One response

  1. Rare Earths Investor Avatar
    Rare Earths Investor

    “Mel pairs diplomatic acumen with hands-on mine-build experience. Her blueprint for an all-American rare earths powerhouse is exactly the strategic perspective our delegates need as they navigate geopolitics, capital markets, and supply-chain resilience.”

    Ms. Sanderson’s past comments have indicated she is a person who will tell it like it is. So, our questions to her are as follows:

    What chance has any niche RE miner of building out within US borders without direct US strategic backing?

    Further, how will the Trump ‘effect’ impact any metals miner getting Federal permitting permission? Almost everything that has his name behind it is challenged in court. It now seems as much direct antipathy towards the man as any ideology-based opposition. For example, note the opposition already to his yesterday’s Dateline gold/RE mine (CA) announcement.

    Then what impact will legal court challenges have on potential US RE miners in terms of their timelines?

    Relatedly, just how long will RE off-takers in N. America wait to establish their value chains with the bottom line being their RE feedstock supply.

    Etc. As usual, much more could be said regarding these issues.

    We look forward to the opinions of Ms. Sanderson and the others who will present/discuss at this conference. Hopefully, these will be shared in summary articles to help RE retail investors in their DD.

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